If you find yourself having to do speech therapy distance learning, you might be a little apprehensive at the thought. How in the world can I help my sweet students from home?
This whole “distance learning” thing is uncharted territory for me and probably for you too. So today, my friend, I wanted to share with you 5 things that you can do to help your students now…from right where you are.
1. Take Home Packets
One thing you can do is send home packets with your student that are based on their individual goals. You can email them or snail mail them. If you’re looking for some, you can check these out that cover articulation, vocabulary, grammar, language concepts, fluency, and pragmatics.
Oh, and you can definitely break apart PDFs to only include the pages you want to send. Check out this great tutorial by The Dabbling Speechie!
2. Videos for Students
Another way to help your kiddos is to create videos just for them! You can utilize printable resources using Zoom or Screencastify.
You can also just use your phone to video yourself reading a story and asking questions, putting on a puppet show, or just saying hi. Email the videos to your students or post them in Google Classroom.
3. Helpful Links for Parents
It’s important to stay in touch with parents when we are working with their children from home. Give them tips and activities they can do with their children to improve their child’s speech. I often use monthly handouts like this one.
Another option is to create a list of links to your favorite websites and resources that let parents help with their child’s speech at home. If you want to grab mine for FREE, you can head to my free resource library when you join the !
4. Digital Resources
Stock up on some digital resources that your students are able to do on their own or with a parent. Most sellers have adapted their TOU, so that you can send directly to parents or Google classroom without violations.
A few of my favorite ideas for digital resources include:
- No print products on TPT
- BOOM cards
- Speech apps and games
- Online games – I like this site from GAH for different games and activities for telepractice
5. Encouraging Notes & Emails
While we are “distance learning,” I try to touch base with my students at least once a week (at least until my supervisors tell me differently). I do this through phone call, email, or snail mail note.
Sometimes having your routine yanked out from under you with very little warning is tough for a kid. I want them to know that their school family, including me, is there for them. It can mean the world just knowing that you’re thinking of them from afar.
I hope you found some of these tips helpful. Send me a message and let me know how you’re doing and what’s working for you. We’re in this together!
And don’t forget to grab your free website handout! Stay safe and healthy!
I like the idea of having a take-home packet or some online resources for learning. I could see how it would make it a lot easier to continue speech therapy if you can’t make it to an in-person session. My friend’s son has been doing speech therapy, and I should recommend that they look into some ways like that of doing it form home.